Ron Silver was one of those Hollywood faces i always enjoyed seeing in films and television shows. He was guaranteed to give a competent performance that audiences would enjoy. And even though he was a liberal, his political activity was in the best tradition of America in that he respected his opponents, unlike so many of his fellow performers who view their fame as a sign of their moral superiority over the rest of America.

After September 11, Ron Silver understood the nature of the jihadi threat against America and spoke out about it. In 2004, he spoke before the GOP convention and offered his full support to president George W. Bush and his reelection campaign. In his speech he offered an assessment of what happened on 9/11 that still defines what I consider to be the only patriotic view of the jihadis and their supporters.

Just over 1,000 days ago, 2,605 of my neighbors were murdered at the World Trade Center — men, women and children — as they began their day on a brilliantly clear New York autumn morning, less than four miles from where I am now standing. We will never forgive. Never forget. Never excuse!

Ron Silver has died after a courageous two year battle with cancer. May he rest in peace, and may his loved ones be comforted in their time of loss. He will be missed by his fans, and by those who love this country.